“This place is like my extended family.”
One of the keys to the success of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program’s mission is the unconditional dignity and respect that patients receive from the team of more than 600 medical and behavioral health specialists, social service providers and support staff. That same mindset of genuine caring is exactly why so many BHCHP workers remain with the organization for multiple decades.
“That same respect extends to us as employees,” said Georgia, a 21-year team member who is currently the director of behavioral health at the Barbara McInnis House, BHCHP’s 24/7 medical respite facility. “The environment here is warm and welcoming. I often say this place is like my extended family. There’s a sense of community. You’re made to belong. There’s so much compassion, support and understanding from supervisors.
“For example, when I proposed the idea of creating a domestic violence program advocate position, my supervisor said it was a brilliant idea and helped make it happen because there is such a dire need to support so many patients who are struggling daily with trauma from psychological, physical and sexual abuse,” she continued. “I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to hire and potentially build a team of three advocates to address this crucial need.”
Georgia said her journey within the BHCHP ranks proves how much she and other team members are valued by the organization.
“I started here two decades ago doing HIV counseling and testing,” she said. “My supervisors always supported me in taking on new challenges to grow, and I eventually went back to school to earn a counseling degree in mental health, addiction and trauma. I worked as a clinician on the Suboxone team for two years upon graduation and later became the family team director for four-plus years, serving unhoused families and managing a staff of 15-plus. Today, I have my dream job. I feel very valued by the program. I have always had someone to guide, coach and support me throughout my career. That’s what has kept me here for so long.”
If that type of work environment sounds like your dream job, too, take a minute to visit bhchp.org/careers/ to see BHCHP’s current job openings and learn about our generous and broad benefit package. We’re always looking to add to our mission-driven, highly supportive team to work in an environment where you can learn and grow.
